Liposuction Surgery: How It Works and What to Expect Part 2

Once the surgical staff is confident that the anesthesia is working properly, your liposuction surgeon will begin the procedure. The specific steps will depend on the technique the surgeon has chosen to best fit the results you are looking for and the needs of your body.

Commonly-used Liposuction Procedures

Tumescent liposuction:

The surgeon injects a mixture of salt water, anesthetic, and epinephrine into the area to be treated. Then, the surgeon makes a small incision and inserts a thin tube, called a “cannula,” under the skin. This tube is used to suction fat and fluid out of the area.

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction:

In this procedure, the surgeon first uses an ultrasound wand to rupture fat cells in the treated area, so that they can be removed more easily by the cannula. In some cases, this technique is used along with tumescent liposuction.

Laser-assisted liposuction:

Here, the surgeon uses a high-intensity laser light for the pre-removal rupture of fat cells. The laser fiber is inserted through a small incision, and then the cannula is used to remove the fat cells.

Powered liposuction:

The surgeon uses a cannula that vibrates in a small but rapid back-and-forth motion. The vibration helps remove stubborn fat cells more easily. The vibration also aids in a more precise removal and usually helps create a nice, smooth result. This makes powered liposuction a more common choice on smaller areas of the body–like the arms, knees or ankles.

General Liposuction Protocols

As the surgeon performs liposuction, the medical team will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen level. If you are awake for the procedure and experience pain during the procedure, say something immediately. The anesthetist or surgeon can provide additional medication or even change the procedure in order to reduce discomfort.

Once the procedure is finished, the surgeon or staff may apply special tape or bandages and a compression garment to the areas the surgeon worked on. Then, you will spend some time in a recovery room, until the medical staff discharges you to go home.

Follow your doctor’s instructions for post-surgery home care. And as you heal, go to all your follow-up appointments, so your doctor can monitor your progress and help you achieve the best possible results.